Visit St. Peter's Square in Manchester City Centre

St. Peter's Square

Feel the tide of history at this central square, the site of the famous Peterloo Massacre and home to several impressive heritage-listed civic buildings.

Head to St. Peter’s Square to admire the interesting architecture of heritage-listed buildings, have a drink, join a small-scale event or sit down for some people-watching. As the site of a political protest which ended in tragedy, and home to a cenotaph remembering those who lost their lives in World War I, St. Peter’s Square can also be a sobering experience.

It was at this site, on August 16, 1819, that cavalry charged into a crowd of 60,000 people gathered for a peaceful protest for political reforms. Hundreds were injured and 11 killed. The “Peterloo Massacre” sent shockwaves through the country and is still a big part of Manchester’s identity. A plaque on what is now a large hotel commemorates the incident and a bigger, contemporary memorial was designed in 2013.

See the iconic circular Manchester Central Library at the square’s west end. This impressive building, and much of the square itself, is undergoing extensive refurbishment, so check the City Council website for accessibility information prior to your visit. As at mid 2013, the Peace Garden and the Messenger of Peace sculpture still feature on the square.

The other big landmark on St. Peter’s Square is the Midland Hotel, one of Manchester’s grandest hotels. Admire its splendid Edwardian Baroque-style architecture from 1903 or enjoy fine dining in one of its restaurants. Make sure you’re dressed for the occasion; The Beatles were once famously refused access because of their “inappropriate attire”! German dictator Adolf Hitler is believed to have considered the hotel his Nazi headquarters for Britain and many believe this is why this area was spared from German bombings during World War II.

St. Peter’s Square is pedestrian friendly. If you come by car, find an undercover car park by looking for the big NCP (National Car Park) signs as you approach the square. Street parking is notoriously difficult and expensive in the city center, so walk, take public transport, or catch a taxi if you can. The square has its own Metrolink tram station and is on many bus routes.

Guide to Exploring around St. Peter's Square

Manchester Opera House

Catch a show at one of the city’s most interesting and charming venues for concerts, musicals and theater.

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Albert Square

This public gathering place for football victory parades, festivals and a popular European-style Christmas market is surrounded by Victorian architecture.

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MediaCity UK

Home to some of the U.K.’s biggest broadcasters, this precinct is a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, bars and restaurants.

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Piccadilly Gardens

Watch the world go by and take a look at Manchester’s most controversial architecture at the city’s busiest green space and transport hub.

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Manchester City Hall

This impressive Victorian building is home to precious works of art as well as the offices and halls of the City Council.

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Manchester Cathedral

This religious and historic site tells the story of the wars, terrorist bombs and other unforgettable history that shaped the city center you see today.

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The Lowry Art and Entertainment

This waterside arts complex that bears the name of a famous U.K. artist is home to a world of entertainment such as art exhibits, plays and concerts.

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Castlefield Roman Fort

Step inside the 2,000-year-old Roman fortress where Manchester began. See restored ramparts, an ancient garden and excavated foundation.

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Manchester Art Gallery

Enjoy important British paintings and sculptures, as well as family-friendly activities, at this award-winning and free historic exhibit space.

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Manchester Museum

Home to dinosaurs, mummies and live animals, this free attraction boasts collections of precious artifacts from nearby English locations and faraway cultures.

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Manchester Central Library

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy the excellent resources at one of the most iconic and culturally significant buildings in the city.

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Chetham's Library

Visit this well-preserved medieval building and see books that have been read by kings, queens and political revolutionaries.

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John Rylands Library

Step back in time and admire the large collection of ancient books and manuscripts, as well as the impressive architecture, of this iconic British landmark.

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Museum of Science and Industry

Find out what made Manchester an industrial powerhouse by engaging with the amazing exhibitions on the site of one of the world’s first passenger railway stations.

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Whitworth Art Gallery

This exhibition space located in a city park is a must-see for fans of art and design, and boasts a huge variety of modern and historic prints and textiles.

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Arley Hall And Gardens

Enjoy one of Britain’s finest gardens as well as grand architecture and homemade food at this early Victorian mansion with a rich family history.

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National Football Museum

This free museum is dedicated to one of the world’s most popular sports. It delights fans with a vast collection of football memorabilia and interactive games.

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Salford Quays

Once a major seaport and home to heavy industry, this precinct is now a dynamic cultural and residential area offering shopping, sport, drama and art.

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Old Trafford

Cheer on soccer players during an exhilarating match and tour this 75,000-capacity stadium, home to one of Britain’s greatest soccer teams.

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Imperial War Museum North

This striking building is an award-winning museum with artifacts and exhibitions that cover the main conflicts of the 20th century.

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People’s History Museum

Follow the sometimes tumultuous development of democracy in Britain when you tour this captivating museum set in an old Edwardian pump station.

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Christ Church Moss Side

Tour a 19th-century neo-Gothic church that enchants with its statues, ornamental artwork and architecture.

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Best Lodging Options Near St. Peter's Square

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INNSiDE by Melia Manchester $80

Per night/room

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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INNSiDE by Melia Manchester

1 First Street, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Deansgate Locks and Bridgewater Hall. Manchester Palace Theatre and Deansgate are also within 10 minutes. Deansgate-Castlefield Station and Manchester Deansgate Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Hotel Gotham

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Hotel Gotham

100 King Street, Manchester, England

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Manchester Art Gallery, Piccadilly Gardens, and Manchester Arndale. The Gay Village and Albert Square are also within 10 minutes. Mosley Street Station and Market Street Station are within a 5-minute walk.

easyHotel Manchester $28

Per night/room

Sep 23 - Sep 24

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easyHotel Manchester

33 Dale Street, Manchester, England

2.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Greater Manchester Police Museum and Piccadilly Gardens. The Gay Village and Canal Street are also within 10 minutes. Picadilly Gardens Station is only a 4-minute walk and Market Street Station is 6 minutes.

The Midland - Manchester $94

Per night/room

Sep 24 - Sep 25

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The Midland - Manchester

16 Peter Street, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this spa hotel is steps from Manchester Central Library, St. Peter's Square, and Albert Hall. Bridgewater Hall and Albert Square are also within 5 minutes. St Peters Square Station is only a 2-minute walk and Deansgate-Castlefield Station is 7 minutes.

Dakota Manchester $152

Per night/room

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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Dakota Manchester

29 Ducie Street, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Canal Street, The Gay Village, and Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester Palace Theatre and Manchester Arndale are also within 15 minutes. Picadilly Station is 6 minutes by foot and Picadilly Gardens Station is 8 minutes.

Whitworth Locke $80

Per night/room

Sep 21 - Sep 22

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Whitworth Locke

74 Princess St., Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Gay Village and Albert Square. O2 Apollo Manchester and Manchester Arena are also within 1 mi (2 km). Manchester Oxford Road Station and Manchester Manchester Oxford Road Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Malmaison Manchester $90

Per night/room

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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Malmaison Manchester

1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Canal Street, The Gay Village, and Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester Palace Theatre and Manchester Arndale are also within 15 minutes. Picadilly Station and Picadilly Gardens Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel $79

Per night/room

Sep 25 - Sep 26

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Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel

Water Street, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Museum of Science and Industry, The Gay Village, and Manchester Arena. National Football Museum and Manchester Arndale are also within 1 mi (2 km). Manchester Salford Central Station is 7 minutes by foot and Deansgate-Castlefield Station is 12 minutes.